3D-IC Opens a New Era of IC Packaging and Testing

Singapore – April 30, 2012
– In
the process of 2.5D/3D-IC commercialization, many challenges must be overcome
to help manufacturers achieve the anticipated yield rates. At a 2.5D/3D-IC
forum organized by SEMI and IME at SEMICON Singapore 2012, featured speakers
from leading
companies — such as Aptina, ASE, Hitachi Chemical, Lam Research, Novellus,
SEMATECH, Silecs International, SPTS, STATS ChipPAC, Tech Search International,
Tezzaron Corporation and Xilinx — shared their viewpoints.

Moore’s law has reliably driven silicon
scaling for several decades. As the semiconductor manufacturing world moves
into the “More than Moore” 2.5D/3D space, more opportunities exist that further increase the functionality and
performance of semiconductor ICs. Enabled by 2.5D and 3D IC technology,
designers can now design and build high-performance and energy-efficient
systems using heterogeneous technologies such as CMOS (including multiple
logic, memory technology nodes), MEMS, Si Photonics, etc. According to Yole
Développment, the shipment volume of 3D-IC wafers will reach 10 million units
in 2012.

Dr. Ho-Ming Tong, general manager and chief
R&D officer of ASE, noted: “Despite progress in 3D-IC development over the
past years, challenges remain in the areas of cost control, design, mass
production and testing in the lead-up to commercialization. Given the readiness
of silicon interposer-based 2.5D-IC technology to move to the next stage, its
deployment will expedite

migration from the 40-nm node to 28-nm.
With computing and smart devices fueling growth of the market,
commercialization of 2.5D and 3D-ICs may take place in 2013.”

"To address the challenges of taking
2.5D/3D systems to high-volume manufacturing, collaborative partnerships are
very critical. IME has established strategic partnerships with leading players
in the semiconductor ecosystem to co-develop cost effective 3D-IC integration
and process technologies in Singapore," said Professor Dim-Lee Kwong, executive director of IME.
“Our new 300mm advanced packaging facility will provide deeper and broader
capabilities to our partners to overcome the challenges in 3D-IC.”

2.5D and 3D-IC: On the Way
to HVM

A panel discussion about packaging services
moderated by Jan Vardaman, president of TechSearch International, featured a
lively discussion among a distinguished list of panel members:

Panelists provided insight into key issues
such as limiting 3D TSV HVM and the need for

standardization. Seth Ramaswami of Applied
Materials outlined the clear need for the OSATs to be involved in setting the
standards and issued a call for working with SEMI to help develop standards
that will move the industry along. Issues with the supply chain emerged as a
common theme. Xilinx is working with TSMC and OSATs and wants both models to be
successful. Cost/yield is the biggest challenge. According to Robert Patti, “It’s
complicated,” and standardization is needed, even in areas that people have not thought
about yet, such as what is the center of the wafer? STATS ChipPAC sees the
OSATS as the integrator that procures and manages inventory. The hand-off point
needs to be clear. The end customer can help define who does what. Dr. Watanabe
from Hitachi Chemicals described the issues facing material suppliers to gain
insight from a single source on the needs for materials.

The panelists agreed that temporary bonding
is an area that still requires work. The use of interposers (as a long-term
solution or as a stepping stone) was discussed, with mixed responses. The potential for laminate substrates with
fine feature sizes as a future alternative was raised as a possibility. Thermal
issues and the needs for known good substrates and known good die were pointed
out as areas for future work. The panel agreed that while progress has
occurred, much work remains.

About SEMI

SEMI is the global industry association
serving the nano- and microelectronics manufacturing supply chains. SEMI member
companies are the engine of the future, enabling smarter, faster and more economical
products that improve our lives. Since 1970, SEMI has been committed to helping
members grow more profitably, create new markets and meet common industry
challenges. SEMI maintains offices in Beijing, Bengaluru, Berlin, Brussels,
Grenoble, Hsinchu, Moscow, San Jose, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo, and
Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.semi.org

About SEMICON Singapore

Singapore is a world-class electronics
manufacturing hub with end-to-end R&D capabilities – which makes SEMICON
Singapore the most important exposition for the semiconductor industry in
Southeast Asia. The show connects the decision makers from the industry,
demonstrates the most advanced products and brings in the most up-to-date
market and technology trends, visit www.semiconsingapore.org

About Institute of
Microelectronics

The Institute of Microelectronics (IME) is a
research institute of the Science and Engineering Research Council of the
Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). Positioned to bridge the
R&D between academia and industry, IME's mission is to add value to
Singapore's semiconductor industry by developing strategic competencies,
innovative technologies and intellectual property, enabling enterprises to be
technologically competitive, and cultivating a technology talent pool to inject
new knowledge to the industry. Its key research areas are in integrated
circuits design, advanced packaging, bioelectronics and medical devices, MEMS, nanoelectronics,
and photonics. For more information, visit IME at http://www.ime.a-star.edu.sg.